PhD in International Relations and European Studies

Qualification Awarded: Doctoral Programme in European Studies and International Relations (PhD,3 years)

Level of Qualification: 3rd Cycle (Doctorate)

Language of Instruction: English and Greek

Mode of Study: Full time / Part time

Minimum Credits: 90

Minimum ECTS Credits: 180

Profile of the Programme:

General:

The Doctoral Program in International Relations (hereafter IR) aims at the
creation and interpretation of knowledge which extends the forefront of the
disciple of IR (in the wider reading of the discipline), through original research
and critical thinking. Holders of a Ph.D. in IR will be able to conceptualize, design
and implement projects for the generation of significant new knowledge and/or
understanding in the field of International Relations. Furthermore, holders of a
Ph.D. in IR will have the qualities needed for employment that requires the ability
to make informed judgments on complex issues in specialist topics of IR, and
innovation in tackling and solving conceptual and practical problems in world
politics.

The Doctoral Program in IR is designed in accord with the Framework for
Qualifications for Higher Education Area (Barcelona Process) and the European
Qualifications Framework (level 8 of EQF), as well as in accord with established
standards and practices in European and American Universities that award the
title of Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations (hereafter a Ph.D. in IR).1
1 According to international standards and practices, on successful completion, doctorate students in
International Relations, who study in Universities where the English language is the language of
instruction, are awarded the title ?Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations? (for the Greek διδάκτωρ).

Specific:

The Doctoral Program in IR will socialize students into the world of academia and
to guide them so that they will be well-acquainted with the criteria they are
expected to meet for their academic work internationally. Those who complete
the Program will be able to engage in academic research independently at the
highest level. Ph.D. graduates will also be able to pursue analysis of issues of
their expertise at important public and private institutions.

The Program prepares and guides students to generate new knowledge of the
highest academic caliber. Graduates may pursue careers as academics and
scholars at colleges, universities, research centers and think-tanks and other
important institutions in both the public and private sectors. The Program may
also be very useful to those who aspire to pursue careers in other fields that
require major knowledge of topics in international relations, such as government
and international organizations.

Career Prospects:

The Program prepares and guides students to generate new knowledge of the
highest academic caliber. Graduates may pursue careers as academics and
scholars at colleges, universities, research centers and think-tanks and other
important institutions in both the public and private sectors. The Program may
also be very useful to those who aspire to pursue careers in other fields that
require major knowledge of topics in international relations, such as government
and international organizations.

Graduation Requirements

The degree requires the completion of 180 ECTS out of which 60 ECTS are for the
research proposal and the remaining 120 ECTS for the writing of the Dissertation.

A doctoral candidate student will qualify for a Ph.D. degree if he/she successfully:

(a) completes any required courses included in the MA Programs.
(b) presents and defends his/her research proposal.
(c) prepares, presents and defend a Ph.D. Dissertation to be examined by a
five-member committee.

Ph.D. candidates must complete their study in the Ph.D. programme within three academic years at the minimum and eight academic years at the maximum.

Learning Outcomes

The programme is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of careers in college and university teaching, research, public service, and the private sector. Students successfully completing the programme will:

(a) gain a deep knowledge at the most advanced frontier of aspects of modern international relations;

(b) acquire the most advanced and specialised skills and techniques, including synthesis and evaluation, required to solve critical problems in research and/or innovation and to extend and redefine existing knowledge and/or professional practice in the field of international relations;

(c) develop competence in identifying and evaluating numerous forms of evidence on public events in world politics;

(d) gain an understanding of complex theories of, as well as actors and institutions in international relations, and means of evaluating their preferences and outcomes;

(e) acquire greater skills in written and oral communication in English.